Nova Scotia’s innovative science curriculum for grades 4-6

May 23rd, 2016

SPARKvue science learning application and PASPORT sensors will be available to nearly 300 elementary schools for hands-on, inquiry-based learning

In 2015, the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development launched an Action Plan for Education to renew, refocus, and rebuild the education system for the first time in a generation.

As part of its efforts to create an innovative and streamlined curriculum in grades 4–6, the Department has purchased PASCO Scientific science solutions for nearly 300 elementary schools from PASCO Canada/AYVA Educational Solutions Ltd.

The PASCO science solutions will be part of the Department of Education’s curriculum resource kit for grades 4–6. It will include SPARKvue®, a science application that delivers data collection, visualization, and analysis tools in a content-rich, standards-based science learning and sharing environment.

It will also include the PASPORT General Science Sensor, Weather Sensor, and Weather/Anemometer Sensor, as well as the AirLink interface, which will allow students to wirelessly connect the PASPORT sensors to their Chromebooks or iPads. Training will begin in May and the new streamlined curriculum resource kits will be introduced to students in the fall.

“Sensor-based investigations support inquiry-based learning and help students develop scientific literacy and technological literacy,” said Eric Therrien, information, communication and technology (ICT) mathematics and sciences consultant at the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. “The SPARKvue software and PASPORT sensors will allow students to collect, visualize, analyze, record, and assess data in and out of the classroom — all with the touch of a finger. Using these tools for data logging, students will have the opportunity to think and act like scientists, which will improve their learning and retention of core scientific concepts as well as their higher order cognitive skill development.”